HC Deb 01 August 1946 vol 426 cc242-4W
81. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Food what arrangements are being made to see that adequate supplies of bread are available for hop pickers.

Dr. Summerskill

Arrangements for the supply of bread to hop-pickers are under discussion between representatives of my Department and of the Hops Marketing Board.

82. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Food if the Government propose to reimburse the bakers for the extra expense which has been imposed on them to operate bread rationing.

Dr. Summerskill

The bread subsidy paid to bakers is adjusted from time to time in the light of costings surveys made at regular intervals. Any additional expenses incurred by bakers are, therefore, taken into account. An announcement was made on 30th July that any increase in the subsidy found to be necessary as a result of the rationing of bread will operate retrospectively to the commencement of the rationing scheme.

84. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that over the weekend, 26th to 29th July, there were long queues of housewives and a shortage of bread in St. Marylebone; and what steps he proposes to take to make better provision of bread in St. Marylebone; and the abolition of queues.

Dr. Summerskill

The sharp increase in demand following upon the low level of buying during the first few days of the rationing scheme resulted in temporary shortages in a few areas, but as the bakers and the public become more accustomed to the rationing scheme, the queues for bread and confectionery will be, if not entirely eliminated, far less common than before the introduction of the scheme.

85. Mr. Hogg

asked the Minister of Food whether he is in a position to state the amount of wheat saved in the first week of bread rationing.

Dr. Summerskill

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 31st July to the hon. and learned Member for Daventry (Mr. Manningham-Buller).

87. Wing-Commander Robinson

asked the Minister of Food whether:he will arrange for the manual workers' bread ration to be given to private gardeners whose work is wholly manual.

Dr. Summerskill

Gardeners employed as such for periods of 22 hours a week or more are eligible for the manual workers' ration.

Mr. Digby

asked the Minister of Food why a farmer's son who is employed on his father's farm is not entitled to the additional six bread units issued to agricultural workers, having regard to the fact that he usually works longer hours than the agricultural employee and does not usually return home for his midday meal.

Mr. Strachey

The fanner's son who is employed on agricultural work is entitled to 15 bread units a week if over 18 and 19 bread units a week if under 18. In addition, he is entitled to his share of allowances at periods of seasonal activity. I am advised that these quantities should be generally sufficient for his needs. But it necessary he can secure more bread unit foods by the surrender of points coupons.